Expressions of Interest in a wheel bag kit?

[nj swb]

As per my thread here I can make frames that will space the rear cover out by 170mm, but a solution for cosmetic covers hasn't been forthcoming.

Recent experience obtained manufacturing the Paddle Kits has also led me to conclude I was naively optimistic with pricing of the kits - manufacturing in small batches, the frame set alone is likely to be closer to $150 than $100.

I have no idea how much a decent set of covers would cost, but if I can sell a batch of frames without covers I'm happy to re-invest any profit back into exploring more options for covers - but I can't offer any guarantees.

Who would buy a 170mm frame without covers? I'm not asking anybody to pre-pay - just some genuine expressions of interest, so I can determine if I should make a batch of frames, and how many.

Or are the existing kits destined to be limited edition collectors items?

[nj swb]

On a recent trip across the Simpson with our host club I received a few enquiries about this product, so I'm looking at producing a batch of 10.

To refresh peoples' memories, the existing Limited Edition models (125mm frames) look something like:


My plan is to produce 10 sets of 170mm frames and sell them with a wheel bag and covers, for $200 + freight.

At this stage, I have no idea how I will produce the covers, but will spend some money researching solutions - worst case, I'll wear out my 3D printer to deliver orders.

So, if this is to be the deal, is there any interest?

[keenkean]

On a recent trip across the Simpson with our host club I received a few enquiries about this product, so I'm looking at producing a batch of 10.



To refresh peoples' memories, the existing Limited Edition models (125mm frames) look something like:





My plan is to produce 10 sets of 170mm frames and sell them with a wheel bag and covers, for $200 + freight.



At this stage, I have no idea how I will produce the covers, but will spend some money researching solutions - worst case, I'll wear out my 3D printer to deliver orders.



So, if this is to be the deal, is there any interest?

Thanks for sharing yet another project!

Put me down as interested!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Pajero12]

I'm also interested

[glsgls]

hey scott would be interested if it will fit a nx if not would be happy to let you take some measurements from mine thanks rob

[nj swb]

Hi Rob, thanks for the offer, and apologies to those who have been waiting - I've been slack.

The underlying metalwork for a 170mm frame has been designed, but I haven't started the search for a covers solution - the profile of the cover is quite complicated, the last one was a lot of trial & error to get it to a point that came close, and I think a manufacturing solution will need to copy the profiles directly rather than measure and attempt to reproduce.

I'll bump this up my priority list.

[CaptJimmy]

I'm definitely interested in at least one, maybe in two orders. Keep me apprised of how your travelling

[NTX]

Interested for sure. I have my own bag though.

[baida88]

also interested. i was looking at doing something like this but instead of a bag i was looking at making a maxxtrax holder and quick release type thing

[nj swb]

At long last, some small progress. Files have been sent off to produce a batch of the metalwork, and I've handed over a spare plastic cover for a supplier to try matching the profile for some covers. He's fairly positive about the prospects, so fingers crossed...

also interested. i was looking at doing something like this but instead of a bag i was looking at making a maxxtrax holder and quick release type thing

Yep. I've also been considering a maxxtrax mount on the rear door, but I already have enough ideas I'm not working on. There is nothing to stop anybody using the space created by this kit for any other purpose.

Have you worked out how much space you need for some maxxtrax? My original 125mm spacer is very marginal for a rubbish bag, and would be worse for anybody with a tyre lift kit (depending on kit, uses about 20mm of the 125).

Presuming the worst case of 20mm lift kit and 170mm extension frame, that leaves 150mm of space. Would that be enough to slide in some maxxtrax? Two or four?

[FishAnd4WD]

Hey mate, definitely interested it this, let me know how you go!

[mrbitchi]

Interested here too. My Brother is after something to allow him to hang a bag on the back of his NW.

[nj swb]

A long over-due update.

First, I'd like to thank those who have shown an interest, and apologise for not having better news. Finding a cost-effective solution for the cosmetic covers is proving a more time-consuming process than I anticipated. Because this product has a very limited market, suppliers do not seem terribly enthusiastic about getting involved, and getting responses requires some chasing. And so far, nothing good to report.

So I'm back to the 3D printing of covers that I was hoping to avoid, and I currently only have a CAD model for NS - NW. NX covers are significantly different, larger, and won't be available any time soon. I have yet another potential solution to chase up, but if it works, it will only solve one problem at the expense of creating another.

I'm producing a test set this week; if all goes well, I'll order a batch of the metalwork late this week / early next week, and may be able to start shipping in December. Printing the covers isn't fast - best guess, I'll be lucky to produce 4 sets in a week.

Earlier in this thread I offered to sell 10 at $200 each, including a bag, plus freight. I'll keep that pricing for the first 10, but beyond that I expect it will be at least $200 excluding the bag, plus freight. As part of this week's test I'll look at how to pack for shipping, and what it cost.

I'm looking at the Adventure Kings dirty gear bag, which they will sell me at their "trade price", but they don't consolidate shipping unless I order a pallet - that's 160 of them. So as of today, I can't buy in bulk any better than their advertised sale price, and I'll be watching their website for a better deal.

So, the members who have expressed interest are:

1. keenkean (NX - but you're on the list)
2. Pajero12 (NW)
3. glsgls (NX)
4. CaptJimmy (NX - 2?)
5. NTX (NT)
6. baida88 (NS)
7. JanP - via PM (NX)
8. FishAnd4WD (NS)
9. mrbitchi's brother (NW)
10. pajtastic (NW)

Any questions?

[pajtastic]

Count me in as number 10!

[nj swb]

So the test set didn't go as well as hoped. The extended metalwork has introduced a minor unexpected issue, and I'm really not happy with the covers.

The good news is that I may have identified a viable solution for the covers - everything except how to mount them. And the price for tooling is better than expected, which helps with producing covers for the NX, so that is encouraging (to me).

So it's back to the drawing board, but they are getting closer - I promise.